How Shade Structures Can Help Slow Climate Change
Climate change is like this big monster that is really scary and to think about its gruesome effects gives me chills. I am scared for the human species and all other living creatures. The reason why I say this is because climate change is somehow a unique problem. Now, I’m not trying to turn a blind eye to all the other issues the world is facing but let me shed some light upon you.
Did you know that the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted through various human activities is going to remain in the atmosphere for quite a long time? We are talking about hundreds of years. Increased carbon dioxide levels mean that the planet becomes warmer than it is naturally supposed to be. This is caused by the increased greenhouse gases that in turn trap extra heat. In humans, increased amounts of carbon dioxide in the body can lead to complications such as kidney failure.
“CLIMATE CHANGE WILL INCREASE THE NEED FOR OUTDOOR SHADES
Now that you sort of understand the magnitude of the problem, you are probably wondering how climate change is related to shade and how climate change increases the need for shade. Shades such as sail shades, car shades, parasol shades and canopy shades, are not just for aesthetics and are actually one of the ways we can use to reduce climate change. I will tell you how in a bit but first I want you to understand the urban heat island effects that urban areas suffer from. Most urban areas have densely situated buildings and paved surfaces such as parking lots and roads that do not allow the absorption of water by plants and other water bodies. Hence, these areas become warmer than rural areas.
Steps you can take
There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and the good news is that extenuating the impact of urban heat island effect can play a mega role in protecting our environment and in slowing down climate change. This is where outdoor shades come in. Scientists have spent sleepless nights trying to figure out how to deal with this problem but I do believe that adding shade to outdoor spaces is the simplest yet effective way to control the high temperatures in urban areas. Shade does play an important role in cooling these areas.
As human beings, we are naturally solution oriented. We always strive to find solutions to our problems and the result is not always pleasant. In this case, air conditioning is the solution for most urban dwellers. Most people don’t even know that by using air conditioning they are contributing to climate change. When we use air conditioners that means that more greenhouse gases are being emitted to the environment and thus taking us back to the same cycle. I want to believe we don’t want that. Who wants to get heat related diseases when we can control this? By adding more shade in outdoor spaces, we not only increase their functionality but also protect ourselves from heat related diseases and at the same time contribute to saving our planet, our home
How Shades Help Fight Urban Heat Island
Studies show that on a hot day in an urban environment, pavements can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the air if it’s exposed to direct sunlight. However, shaded pavements remain at air temperature, preventing it from retaining the excess heat that’s a characteristic of urban heat island effect. Shade also reduces the rate at which gasoline evaporates from vehicles, resulting in fewer carbon emissions. And it encourages people to spend time outside, possibly reducing demand for air conditioning. I love solutions that come with comfort. Everybody wants a soft life; shade structures are all about that.
Tarpo Shade structures have a long lifespan and you do not have to worry about shade replacements every other day as that would also contribute to waste that is harmful to the environment. Some of our shade fabrics have warranties of up to 15 years, long enough for a shade tree to reach maturity! Thanks to Tarpo’s durable materials and expert engineering, our shade structures have long lifespans, reducing waste that could result from more temporary shade fixes.
I hope that now you are encouraged to increase the functionality of your outdoor spaces by installing shade structures. Take part in protecting our planet in your own little way. Remember, it’s the little things that count!